Thursday, October 30, 2008

“Disregard for the right to life, precisely because it leads to the killing of the person whom society exists to serve, is what most directly conflicts with the possibility of achieving the common good... It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop... ”

—Pope John Paul II

Evangelium Vitae

Today's Life Devotional intention: Pray that we will each submit ourselves this day as a living sacrifice to God, giving all that we have in us for those being sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

No one says it like Father Corapi. He can preach, admonish, and convict with the no-nonsense clarity that cuts straight through and hits right where it should. And yesterday he released a special "Eleventh Hour Election Alert":

Today's Life Devotional intention: We are the defenders of true freedom. May our witness unveil the deception of the "pro-choice" slogan.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

They have some really intriguing videos, and a powerful reminder that most pro-life or pro-abortion thing a president can do is appoint a supreme court justice...which our next president will likely do one, if not two or more times!

Today's Life Devotional can be found here. We are down to the final week: let us redouble the prayers and sacrifices! We cannot sit by complacently during such a critical time. What will you do this week to bring about a pro-life victory next Tuesday?

This was both hilarious and tragic: Rush Limbaugh interviewing voters about why they support Obama. They are so uninformed on his positions that when facts about McCain were attributed to Obama, they didn't know the difference. Yikes. Ignore the ugly photo, but take a listen to the clip...

I have been asked by many people to help clarify Catholic teaching on exercising one’s voting rights, especially with respect to the abortion issue. There are many candidates across the nation running on many issues, and Catholics are trying to sort through them all, so I will state the Church’s position as unequivocally as possible for the education of the faithful and not as an endorsement of any particular candidate or candidates: true Catholics are not “single-issue” voters—we are principled voters. That determines which candidates we give our vote to and it determines the state of our souls after we vote.With respect to the abortion issue, the principle in question is the moral impossibility for a Catholic to cooperate in an act or an institution that is “intrinsically evil.” Now, something that is “intrinsically evil” is not just a bad thing—it is a heinous thing, trumping all other moral considerations, and we can never legitimately commit the act ourselves or approve of it in anyone else. Casting a vote for a candidate who forcefully advocates the killing of innocent unborn babies shows approval or unacceptable toleration of that heinous crime against humanity, and Catholics can never do it in good conscience.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Months ago, I remember hearing something about Obama's citizenship status being questionable. Then it seemed to be written off. Now Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg is bringing forth evidence that Obama may actually be Kenyan-born, which would make him not a natural-born U.S. Citizen, and therefore...you guessed it: not eligible to run for president. The American people deserve to know about this investigation. But you can be sure the liberal news media will ignore it entirely. They're far too busy trying their utmost to dig up dirt on conservative, principled candidates (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

I'm not saying that Mr. Berg's claim is entirely verified yet, but the fact that it legitimately may be makes this a piece that American citizens have every right to know about. Most of all, it means that we must redouble our prayers for our Lord's mercy. If this does turn out to be true, what a terrible shame for such deception to have taken a man this far in our country.

Folks, I know I've posted scores of gripping videos here, but this is THE most enlightening film yet. 3 minutes and 52 seconds contrasting the candidates' very own words on the life issue. No extra opinions, no outside editorials... their own words tell it all. Every single voter deserves to see this before stepping into the booth. You can share this film easily by giving the link http://www.americaschoicenow.com/ to everyone you know.

On October 17th, Verastegui was invited to Miami to speak at a rally with Senator John McCain, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Sen. Mel Martinez, Florida’s former Governor Jeb Bush and Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Verastegui said, "I am endorsing Sen. McCain for President because of his commitments to end abortion, to protect traditional marriage, to select conservative judges and to pass a just immigration reform."

"We need to put an end to abortion, and political candidates play a very important role in this matter. More than 200,000 Latino babies are killed by abortion each year in the USA. This holocaust must end. That's why we must elect Senator McCain. He will defend and protect the most innocent of his country, the beautiful babies in their mothers' wombs."

This is a man who has the issues in perspective...right on!

Verastegui believes that unless Americans elect a president who will defend fundamental human rights, no one can expect a sound economy, health care or national security, including immigration reform.

..."I can make hundreds of movies like Bella, and they will hopefully save many babies, but it's never going to be as powerful as a president nominating judges who observe constitutional law. After all, we are just one pro-life Supreme Court Justice away from overturning Roe v. Wade."

"We can never vote for any candidate that supports abortion."

And he makes a meaningful point on "change":

"Barack Hussein Obama speaks about 'change,' but what change are we talking about? Fidel Castro spoke about change in Cuba. Hugo Chavez talks about change in Venezuela, and other charismatic, well-spoken dictators promised change, but look what happened to their countries."

LifeSiteNews did an terrific interview with Eduardo which includes some more of his thoughts and quotes. The part that I think is simply too neat:

"When I finished [speaking], I went to John McCain and I said, 'Senator, thank you for your commitment to life. I’d like to give you something.' I gave him a Miraculous Medal blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and he was amazing. He said, 'Thank you so much! Look what I have here in my pocket.' Then Sen. McCain took a medal out of his pocket that he carries everywhere and it was a Blessed Mother Teresa medal. He said, 'Eduardo, now I am going to keep both.'"

Verastegui also gave McCain’s wife, Cindy, a Miraculous Medal. He said, “I was touched when I found out that the McCains adopted one of their daughters from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India. There is nothing more beautiful than to give children homes with families who will love them. I hope that one day that I can do the same."

Praise God for men like this who are not afraid to speak the truth in the eye of the public — free of motives for personal gain, simply and clearly, and without compromise!

More Biden News...his recent prediction (which almost sounded like a threat!) of an international crisis" brought on by an Obama presidency. The exact quote?

"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests BarackObama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect abrilliant 47-year old senator president of the United States of America.Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said.Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test themettle of this guy."

Today in our Life Devotional we pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates. That would include praying for the conversion of pro-abortion politicians...especially so-called "Catholics".

It is fitting that today's Life Devotional intention is for humility in our work for God's Kingdom. Dr. King really seems to embody that! 50 seconds into the following CNN clip, she is interviewed on this presidential election. This civil rights activists says that she awaits the day when she can vote an African-American for President...and then explains why she cannot vote for Obama:

Friday, October 17, 2008

As a consequence of our belief, whether or not a candidate gets our vote should depend on their positions on issues related to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. A candidate can make attractive promises on the economy or the environment, but those should take second place to a candidate’s positions related to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. A candidate who is indifferent to or worse yet antagonistic to these preeminent positions is not worthy of consideration.

So, when election day comes, vote for the candidate who acknowledges the fundamental importance of the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person, and who recognizes our responsibility for each other.Read the complete, excellent article here.Today's Life Devotionals here.

I don't know too much about Susan B. Anthony other than that she was a pro-life feminist, but from this quote I found it appears she may have been Catholic, too. I found this intriguing! A good example of authentic "tolerance".

"I tell them I have worked 40 years to make the W.S. platform broad enoughfor Atheists and Agnostics to stand upon, and now if need be I will fight thenext 40 to keep it Catholic enough to permit the straightest Orthodoxreligionist to speak or pray and count her beads upon."

- Susan B. Anthony on the Women's Suffrage platform

Life Devotionals here. "Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might."

Monday, October 13, 2008

I was pleasantly amazed to hear some straightforward, non-liberally-biased analysis coming from the panel on this video, which poses the question: Is the press trying to paint Palin in a bad light? As she's conservative and non-conforming, the answer is naturally yes. It was nice to actually see some secular analysts acknowledging this, and even expressing some dissatisfaction with the manipulative mainstream media.

And we are already halfway through the 40 Days for Life! Let us redouble our prayer and efforts during this second half to call down Divine Mercy upon our country.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Sarah Palin may not be perfect (then again, what politician — or person — is?), but her speech yesterday in Johnstown, Pennsylvania was the most refreshing I've ever heard from a politician. With candor, conviction, and clarity, she spoke in defense of life. And not just in a passing, general way, but with the authenticity of one who truly believes in the cause. So different from those politicians who so often take a stance only because it is adventagious to do so...

The tone of some of Sarah's remarks in this speech are actually reminiscent of some of the points made by Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul, especially this:

"I believe the truest measure of any society is how it treats those who are least able to defend and speak for themselves. And who is more vulnerable, or more innocent, than a child?"

I think that my favorite line of all, however, is:

"There are the world’s standards of perfection … and then there are God’s, and these are the final measure. Every child is beautiful before God, and dear to Him for their own sake."

This 9-minute video is well worth every moment! I love her continual eye contact with the crowd as she speaks not from a page, but from her heart.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Catholic News Agency —A new poll of Americans ages 18-34 has surveyed the faith, politics, and issue positions of young adults before the 2008 election. The poll claims about 60 percent of younger self-identified Catholics say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 44 percent reportedly support same-sex marriage, a number which rises to 64 percent when religious liberty protections are emphasized.

The claims come from the Faith in Public Life’s “The Faith and American Politics Survey,” which was conducted by Public Religion Research between August 28 and September 19. Polling 2,000 American adults and an over sample of 1,250 younger adults, its methods included both land line and cell phone interviews.

I found it interesting — but not entirely surprising — that "the poll shows overall voters who attend religious services once or twice a month support Obama at a rate of 60 percent". It would have been more balanced of them to include candidate support for young Catholics who abide by the Church's precepts and attend Mass weekly, even though this group made up only 28 percent of those polled:

Of Catholics ages 18-34, 28 percent reported attending church once a week,while 22 percent said they attend once or twice a month. Another 27 percentreported attending a few times a year, while 17 percent said they seldom ornever attend church. Six percent reported attending church more than once aweek.

I fall into that last category...and no, I didn't get polled. The most troubling part of this article is that only 28 percent of "self-professed" Catholic young adults actually comply with their most fundamental obligation of weekly Mass. I would venture to say that if we could bring that number up, the emphasis given by these youth to sanctity of life and marriage issues would likewise increase.

In other words, those of us intent on evangelizing our generation have our work cut out for us. Are you a young Catholic reading my blog? If so, I challenge you to do something today to evangelize one of your peers. We may be the "minority", but we are by no means silent. Post a comment with your "answers" to this poll, and let us know what action you will take to make us the majority!

And don't forget today's Life Devotional, in which we pray for "a flowering of the joy of parenthood". Do something today to help a struggling parent find joy in their vocation!

And even more wonderful are some of the incredible testimonies from couples and individuals whose marriages and lives have been powerfully changed. These testimonies, along with other encouraging news and exciting updates (including new additional theater listings!) can be found at the Official Fireproof Blog.If you haven't seen it yourself yet, don't wait! Last weekend my sisters and I, along with a few girlfriends, were thoroughly delighted and inspired by this quality film. Let's make sure it continues to run strong so that many, many more may be inspired!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Today's video is one of encouragement. Father Frank Pavone's exhortation to pro-life members of the U.S. Senate is one that we all should hear.

"Risk it!"

Fr. Pavone also wrote today's Day 17 Devotionalwith another significant reminder— that the pro-life message is rooted in the two basic truths of life:

There is a God;He isn't me.

In reality, all the ongoing complexities are rooted in this, aren't they? When human beings think we are big enough, strong enough, advanced enough to try and take on the role of God. It's been happening since Eden with devastating results. The million-dollar question is: how long will it take us to get the message?

Thursday, October 09, 2008

I was perusing the issues section of McCain's website today and was heartened to read the substantial explanation on "Sanctity of Life", particularly this section...

"Overturning Roe v. Wade"

John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.

Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat.

However, the reversal of Roe v. Wade represents only one step in the long path toward ending abortion. Once the question is returned to the states, the fight for life will be one of courage and compassion — the courage of a pregnant mother to bring her child into the world and the compassion of civil society to meet her needs and those of her newborn baby. The pro-life movement has done tremendous work in building and reinforcing the infrastructure of civil society by strengthening faith-based, community, and neighborhood organizations that provide critical services to pregnant mothers in need. This work must continue and government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion. These important groups can help build the consensus necessary to end abortion at the state level. As John McCain has publicly noted, "At its core, abortion is a human tragedy. To effect meaningful change, we must engage the debate at a human level."

Monday, October 06, 2008

I don't exactly consider myself a Sean Hannity fan, but this piece is worth the watch:

"Obama and Planned Parenthood"

The intention of today's Life Devotional is a beautiful one: for fathers who are terrified of being fathers. I couldn't help but shudder at the closing statements made by Obama in the above video clip, in which he thanked Planned Parenthood "for all the work that you are doing for women all across the country, for families all across the country, and for men who have enough sense to realize you are helping them."

How anyone can make such a statement is truly frightful. As the biggest member of the abortion industry, Planned Parenthood is one of the greatest causes of the dehumanizing of women, the destruction of families, and the cowardizing of men... all across the country.

And today, October 6, across this same country, people of goodwill mourn and remember our murdered, innocent brothers and sisters — all 49 million of them.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

My evening spiritual reading is Pope Benedict's Jesus of Nazareth, which I'm finding to be both beautiful and deep. I take it in small bits at a time, to better absorb its richness. Last night, this quote caught my eye:

"Constructing a world by our own lights, without reference to God, building on our own foundation; refusing to acknowledge the reality of anything beyond the political and material, while setting God aside as an illusion— that is the temptation that treatens us in many varied forms. "

Indeed, "constructing a world by our own lights", "building on our own foundation", "refusing to acknowledge the reality beyond the political and material", and the "setting aside" of the King of the Universe seem to be all too prevelant themes within government and politics. Let us pray and sacrifice for the intention of true leaders who will...

...contruct a world by the Divine Light, unashamed to reference God,...build not upon unstable human foundations, but the only One that is secure,...acknowledge and respect the vivid reality beyond the political and material,...set Truth — the person of Christ — in the center.

Today's Life Devotional is themed on humility...and healing. I would say the above quote is indication that we desperately need both!

Friday, October 03, 2008

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God’s law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life. Amen.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

From CNA: Eduardo Verastegui, the Mexican actor who starred in the movie “Bella,” joined pro-life sidewalk counselors and prayerful demonstrators at a Los Angeles abortion clinic on Saturday as he counseled women to turn away from aborting their unborn children.

Many of the demonstrators were present at the Family Planning Associates abortion clinic as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.

John Anthony, co-coordinator of 40 Days for Life Los Angeles, described Verastegui's efforts... According to Anthony, Verastegui spent time in prayer and counseled and encouraged women to keep their babies, acting with “love, tenderness, humility and compassion.” “Five babies were saved that morning!” Anthony said. “Prayer and love in action were key and beautifully exemplified by all present.”

From LifeSite News: He [Eduardo] said, "You wanna hear something really, really funny? Here's what happened at the end. All the nurses from the clinic — some were African Americans, some were Latinas — came outside."

The next thing Eduardo Verastegui knew, eight nurses wanted someone to take pictures of them with him. Instead, he gave each nurse a Miraculous Medal and his DVD. They didn't want to watch his DVD, but promised to do so simply because he requested it. He told them, "I'm going to be here next Saturday and we'll take a picture next Saturday." Then the security guard confronted him, asking, "What are you doing here?" Verastegui countered, "What are you doing here, my friend?"

From ProLifeMemorialDay.com: Since the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton in 1973, 49,640,776 babies have been surgically and medically aborted – millions more have been killed chemically. This staggering death toll is the direct result of these two decisions.On the first Monday in October, the U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term. This is a day on which pro-lifers across the nation will mourn the victims of America's hidden holocaust: abortion.Who will hear the cries of these preborn children? Who will be their voice? Who will mourn their deaths? On October 6, thousands of Americans nationwide will be mourning the victims of abortion by wearing black armbands, gathering for prayer and candlelight vigils at the U.S. Supreme Court and abortion facilities nationwide, wearing the official Pro-Life Memorial Day 2008 T-shirt and engaging in many other activities.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (nos. 1913-1915).

This terrific website is provided by the USCCB and is solely dedicated to exhorting, educating, and equipping the faithful to fulfill our obligation as Catholic citizens. Visit it today, and tell a friend about it!